Can't Braid? Say Hello To Faux-Braiding!

In a world in which braids have asserted 'do dominance and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, we find ourselves a people divided: There are those who can braid, and those who can't. Those who can consume DIYs with voracious appetites; there's no plait too complicated or too whimsical for their nimble fingers. But, those who are less adept at the technique get the short end of the stick.



Dear challenged readers, we see you, and we're here to help. We charged hairstylist Austin Call from Aveda to come up with hairstyles that look like plaits — but aren't. They're so simple and chic that even those of us who can weave with our eyes closed will be converts.



Ahead, learn about the wonders of faux-braiding. Because, we want everyone to have access to the trend — regardless of their skill level. In other words: Even if you can't braid, you can still sit with us.









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The Braid-Inspired Rope

It's a rope. It's a braid. Nope, it's neither. This series of knots is a lot like that friendship bracelet from childhood you left on all summer, only chicer — and way easier to remove. It's also a great 'do for curly hair. The more curls you have, the more plait-like it'll look.



Sofia bracelet.



Start with a ponytail. We like doing a low, side pony, because it makes it easier to see what you're doing.



Take a small section of hair and tie it in a single knot around the ponytail.



Then, grab another small section of hair and add it to the first.



Use the combined two smaller sections to make a second knot around the ponytail, below your first one.



Continue knotting down the length of your ponytail, adding an additional section of hair to each knot as you go. If you have fine hair, Call suggests using larger sections, which will make it look fuller. Finish with an elastic.



For a messier feel, Call recommends working your fingers into the style until the strands are slightly disheveled. Or, you could keep it pristine — either way, it's going to look awesome.



No one has to know this isn't a braid. Unless you want to brag about your knotting skills.



The No-Braid Bun

To the untrained eye, this looks like a braid you folded into a bun. But, it's so much simpler than that.



Preen shirt.



Start with a low ponytail.



Divide the hair in the ponytail into two sections, and then make a knot.



Tie another knot on top of it. (Make a double knot, if you will.)



Wrap the excess strands around the double knot, and pin it all into place. "Grab the bun with your hand and put a pin wherever your fingers are," Call says.



If you have shorter hair, our hairstylist suggests tying just one knot. And, if you have super long hair, Call says you can make more than two knots: "Just remember to keep the knots loose," he says.



Now that you've saved so much time on your hair, you can do something truly complex with your makeup, like this out-of-control cat-eye. Makeup artist Clarissa Luna used an electric-blue liquid liner, flicking it out for extra drama.



The "This Is Not A French Braid" Braid

Real talk: French braids are hard. Especially when you only have two arms, and not eight. This 'do is super easy, and if you squint, it looks exactly like its complex cousin. All you need is hair that's long enough for a ponytail.



Johnny Was shirt, Zara shoes.



Start by pulling your hair back into a half-ponytail and securing it with an elastic.



Pull some hair out of the elastic so that you create a hole. Then, thread your ponytail through it.



Create another ponytail below it, incorporating the hair from the first pony. Repeat the previous step: Create a hole above the elastic, and thread your new pony through.



Finally, create a third ponytail with the remaining hair. Repeat the previous step again. The final result should be three looped ponytails. If you have fine or short hair, make more than three for a fuller look.



For an authentically braid-like look, Call says to massage your hair, messing it up. Don't worry about strands falling loose — that happens in a real braid, too.



Who's going to try to tell you this isn't a French braid? No one, that's who.



Knot A Braided Fringe

If you love the braided-fringe look, but can't recreate one to save your life, we're here for you. This one's ideal for girls with shorter hair: As long as your front pieces are long enough to be tied into a knot, you're good to go (even if you have a pixie in the back).



Rue Gembon collar.



Start with a deep side part. Grab a section of hair right next to your part, split it into two, and tie it into a knot.



Add more hair to your section, and knot it again. Continue adding hair and knotting.



Once you've passed the middle of your ear, finish with an elastic. If you have fine or short hair, Call recommends making smaller, tighter knots.



Much like an actual braided fringe, this style looks better when it's a little messy. So, don't worry about keeping it perfect — frizz and texture just make it cooler.



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